A Hymn to Diana

Bednarz_Cat34_Latin112_2013

Catullus’ hymn to Diana is a remarkable blending of Greek anthrpomorphism and the feeling of Roman religion, argues Kaylin Bednarz. Catullus 34, discussed, translated, and read aloud by Kaylin Bednarz.

statue in museum of Diana reclining with a stag, holding a bow

The Roman goddess Diana. Source: http://bit.ly/120SDYv

Dianae sumus in fide
puellae et pueri integri:
Dianam pueri integri
puellaeque canamus.

O Latonia, maximi
magna progenies Iovis,
quam mater prope Deliam
deposivit olivam,

montium domina ut fores
silvarumque virentium
saltuumque reconditorum
amniumque sonantum:

tu Lucina dolentibus
Iuno dicta puerperis,
tu potens Trivia et notho es
dicta lumine Luna.

Tu cursu, dea, menstruo
metiens iter annuum,
rustica agricolae bonis
tecta frugibus exples.

Sis quocumque tibi placet
sancta nomine, Romulique,
antique ut solita es, bona
sospites ope gentem.

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